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2015 Lexus RC F storms into the Motor City with 450+ bhp [video]

Should accelerate from 0-60 mph in less than 4.6 seconds

Lexus has officially unveiled the RC F Coupe at the North American International Auto Show.

Designed to tackle the BMW M4, the RC F has been equipped with an aggressive body kit that includes a new front bumper, revised side skirts and ventilated front fenders. The model also has a bulging hood, an "F-mesh" grille and 19-inch forged aluminum wheels. If that's not aggressive enough, the car can be equipped with a carbon fiber package that adds a carbon fiber roof and an active rear spoiler that deploys at 50 mph (80 km/h) and retracts at speeds less than 25 mph (40 km/h).

The interior echoes the standard RC but has been equipped with sport seats, revised instrumentation, alloy pedals and an "elliptical cross-section thick grip steering wheel."

Power is provided by an all-new 5.0-liter V8 engine that develops more than 450 bhp (335 kW) and 383 lb-ft (518 Nm) of torque. It is connected to an eight-speed Sports Direct Shift transmission which should enable the model to accelerate from 0-60 mph in less than 4.6 seconds and hit an estimated top speed of 168 mph (270 km/h). Interestingly, the engine runs on the "Atkinson cycle at cruising speeds, for enhanced fuel economy, and then switches to the Otto cycle at higher rpm to develop impressive performance levels."

Besides the powerful engine, the RC F is equipped with a sport-tuned suspension, a "very stiff front lower brace" and a Torque Vectoring Differential with three different modes: Standard, Slalom (which emphasis steering response) and Track.

Lexus-First Use of Torque Vectoring Differential for Incredible Cornering

Purpose Designed Instrumentation and Sport Seats

January 14, 2014DETROIT (Jan. 14, 2014) – Want power, precision and passion? Lexus revealed its most powerful V8 engine in the all-new 2015 RC F performance coupe at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The F performance model, based on the RC coupe, gets its powerful roar from more than 450 horsepower and more than 383 lb.-ft. torque.

To get that amount of power efficiently to the ground the RC F will make use of a Torque Vectoring Differential (TVD) to ensure remarkable handling and performance. The power will transfer through a newly calibrated eight-speed Sports Direct Shift (SPDS) transmission with paddle shifters.

“I've built RC F to be enjoyed by all enthusiasts – no matter what their level of expertise,” said RC F chief engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi.

“There's a misconception that racing cars are hard to drive. In fact, they're easy in the right hands because they've been purpose-built for the skill level of their drivers. It's the same with RC F.

“Electronics can be modified instantly on board to provide appropriate levels of performance and protection. But even at its basic setting, it's a blast.”

Driving Dynamics with More Power and UsabilityThe RC F has an all-new 5.0-liter 32-valve V8 engine that will provide increased maximum power at higher engine rpm than previously possible. For the first time in a Lexus performance engine, the RC F uses the Atkinson cycle at cruising speeds for enhanced fuel economy and then switches to the Otto cycle at higher rpm to develop impressive performance levels.

Driver engagement has been made possible by purpose designed sound and power delivery. A uniquely tuned eight-speed Sports Direct Shift (SPDS) transmission improves linear throttle response.

It helps the driver control the torque and power precisely as it is applied.

Torque Vectoring DifferentialThe RC F uses a Torque Vectoring Differential (TVD), a first in a Lexus, to increase driving performance. It has three operating modes:Standard for a balance of nimble performance and stability;Slalom for emphasis on nimble steering response; andTrack to help with consistent stability, ensuring the vehicle stays on the intended corning line as the driver applies more throttle.

HandlingThe foundation for the vehicle’s mechanical grip is the highly rigid body with large cross-section rocker panels and a very stiff front lower brace. Specialized Lexus manufacturing techniques are also used, including body adhesives, laser-screw welding, laser brazing and multi-spot welding. Grip is further enhanced through use of a wider tire and wheel assembly.

Exterior DesignLexus RC F adds to the stylish body of the new RC coupe on which it is based. The RC F features its own version of the Lexus signature spindle grille which dominates the front of the vehicle from hood line to lower lip. The grille has a subtle F-mesh pattern on the lower half.

In profile view RC F has a unique front hood which raises the peak of the vehicle, creating a powerful side view.

The RC F takes design cues from the Lexus LFA supercar, especially in essential air cooling and aerodynamics. Its hood air vent, such as those on the LFA, combined with front cooling ducts contribute to engine cooling and overall vehicle stability.

As in the LFA, an active rear spoiler is incorporated into the trunk lid to provide down force at speeds of more than 50 mph. The active spoiler is a highlight of RC F’s aerodynamic package which includes careful tuning of the underbody, the intakes in the grille and the front fender vents, and strategic placement of the aero stabilizing fins.

To the side, front fender ducts in the shape of an L also aid cooling performance while adding to the aggressive stance.

Interior DesignUniquely designed components, including combination meters, the steering wheel, seats, ornamentation and pedals, convey a sense of connection with the driver that only a Lexus F performance model can achieve.

RC F’s all-new combination meters are further developed from LFA while also referencing aircraft cockpit instruments. The meters provide a wide range of easy to read information for the various drive modes.

The combination meters include a large centrally mounted tachometer that alters according to drive mode, digital and analog speedometer, differential torque vectoring monitor, G-Force meter, oil and water temperature gauges, mileage information and a stopwatch.

The driver’s connection to the RC F is paramount. The RC F debuts a Lexus-first elliptical cross-section thick grip steering wheel for greater control during performance driving. The placement, shape and operation of paddle shifters make it easier to change gears on the track and in other performance circumstances.

The all-new high back seats have been designed for exceptional holding performance. An integrated foaming technique creates a highly supportive and taut fitting seat with trim material that stays fixed.

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Comments (10)

This car is stunning and I'm not even a Lexus fan. WELL DONE LEXUS!! The car looks cool, muscular and aggressive however the one thing I just don't understand about this segment and that is - the Lexus will not be as fast in a straight line as the upcoming M4, the new C63 amg will be the fastest of the bunch (Merc wouldn't have it any other way!) with better steering than the BMW but the BMW will shade it for overall appeal. The Audi RS5 (2016) will be a mess with dull lifeless steering and not as good as the BMW or Merc. Why don't Lexus turn around and say F**K YOU BMW, our car willbe faster in a straight line if nothing else! Audi should do the same after their 2012 RS5 got owned by the M3 simply because the steering was poor and it weighed 200kg too much even though it looked stunning!

The option of the carbon fiber roof definitely makes it state its serious intensions of kicking some dust into the competition especially the unexplored part of being gas-burning friendly at cruise speeds with the Otto/Atkinson engine metamorphis which is first for Lexus. I can't say if it is a first in the industry outside Toyota, but definitely a Ronin!

Have your heard of turbo explosions and cracks in the turbo vanes due to excessive heat...hmmn. There is a reason F1, got out of it for better breathing engines. I myself are looking forward for extreme high compression gasoline engines and variable compression instead of forced air in the combustion chamber.

Well, engine swap at so many few races isn't a bad thing as opposed to running at least 100,000 without defects in a mass production scenario. Are they running regular gasoline or the exotic fuel mixtures of the past like Honda did with Ayrton Senna's engine?